Petition Underway to Bring Classic Sonic to Sonic 4
Tristan Oliver | February 9, 2010
Do the Eyes Really Have It?
Sonic 4 is being touted at the hedgehog’s return to his original classic form. He’ll be in 2.5D, in colorful environments, picking up where he left off from Sonic 3 & Knuckles.
But for some, that’s not enough.
For this story, we bring your attention to this petition, a petition for Sega to allow the option of a more classic Sonic to be represented in Sonic 4. Since the announcement, some fans have criticized that Sonic’s design looks familiar to the model present in Sonic Unleashed, green eyes and all.
“We welcome the recent announcement that, after 16 years, Sonic 3 & Knuckles (arguably the pinnacle of the Sonic the Hedgehog series) is to get a sequel in the form of the downloadable game, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I,” the petition reads. “We are happy to see Sonic returning to his roots, but one detail in this retro revival is something that we cannot agree with – the use of Sonic’s new design.”
But the preamble soon cites continuity concerns in the desire to bring Sonic back to his previous 16-bit self.
“if this game truly is to be the sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles, we feel that it should feature the same Sonic design as was featured in Sonic 3 & Knuckles and its predecessors,” the petition reads.
To be clear, the petition does not ask for a total replacement, merely the option for classic Sonic to be played in the game–”as downloadable content, unlockable content, or through any other means that you see fit,” as it reads.
As of the time of this article’s publication, the number of signatures on the petition stands in the high 300s. Similar petitions pop up all the time for games, and rarely are they noticed, perhaps in this case with good reason–should fans really be concerned with how Sonic looks? Does a green-eyed Sonic truly take away the classic nature Sonic 4 is pushing?
The petitioners argue, on a purely retro basis, that it does matter.
“Without the original design, this might as well be Sonic Advance 4 or Sonic Rush 3,” the piece continues.
After originally singing the praises of a retro revival for Sonic, it’s matters like these that are giving some of the fan base more cautious optimism. But all good things must sometimes evolve. And so we ask you–is a classic Sonic truly needed for Sonic 4 to appease classic gamers, or is this nitpicking? Debate away in our discussion area below–we may do a proper poll on the matter next week.
Filed Under Sonic Scene, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, The Next Sonic
Oh god… i would rather see DLC characters than a reanimated sprite version of Sonic (no offence).
Its amazing how much tiny little details people have to complain about to sega just so they get the exact game THEY want.
If these people want a game that they are pretty much writing to sega for, why not just go apply there?
BE CONTENT!!!!
Online petitions do not work.
If this DOES work, then kudos to SEGA for listening.
You kidding me? SEGA already got us the game the fanboys wanted, but now they complain about Sonic’s look? I think the Unleashed look (classic proportions but modern details) is much more fitting.
Sonic’s design changed between Sonic 1 and Sonic 2. It changed even more by Sonic 3.
Green eyes do not matter.
They are finally making the Sonic game that everyone wants, and all these malcontents can do is whine.
Good gravy.
The design is important because?
Seriously, the VA petition was dumb, the IGN was a bit more excusable, but this is just the biggest load I’ve seen. I mean, why is the design of the character gonna make it Sonic Advance/Rush, are you saying that they’re not pandering to you enough?
I know the fanbase have said some pretty stupid stuff, but Jesus Christ, this is just embarassing…
And yes, this is nitpicking at its finest.
Or worse.
its gone much further than nit-picking. ALOT of people are going on about Eggman/Robotnik aswell.
Geez, these people need to grow up! We finally got Sonic back where he belongs, isn’t that enough?! It is for me! I’ve been wanting something like this since Sonic Heroes! Why can’t you idiots just accept the fact that Sonic is back home in side scrolling?
Quit whining and grow up.
Retro fanboys, trust me, these VERY minor details. VERY minor details we can live with, if you’re going to let this get to you, then just give up on the whole franchise, because there is obviously no way you guys can be pleased with ANYTHING.
Pathetic.
these people ill never EVER be pleased with a sonic game untill they get a 100% Sonic the hedgehog 1 disguised as a new game.
or 2 or 3, lol sorry
What… how.. this is -such- a minor detail to get so flustered about, to the point to -petition- over it.
You give the public what they want, and even -still-, somebody finds something to complain about.
Some people never cease to surprise me. I mean, really.
@Cyber_Boy
No, they’ll still be unhappy that Sega’s re-releasing games.
@ Yamishi
thats why i said they will be disguised as new game
@Cyber_Boy
Ohhhh, I gotcha. Well played.
@Yamishi
no problem
i got some ideas for this game but i know they wont be put into the game but no one see’s me making a petition about some very little details
Retro Sonic would be cool, but the newer Sonic, especially this version, is great in itself. I could live playing this game without Retro Sonic. >_>
All I care about is that they don’t change Super Sonic a damn bit. I happen to think new Sonic looks pretty cool. And who’s to say that Sonic wasn’t even originally intended to have green eyes but was unable to due to graphical limitations? I mean, the only reason Mario was given a mustache is so that you could tell he had a face and the only reason he was given suspenders is so you could see a difference in his animation when he was jumping.
These people will NEVER be happy i’m afraid. Just watch, sonic 5 uses the retro sonic, they’ll complain it doesn’t you sprites. Sonic 6: they release in full 2d. They complain about the non pixalated look. Sega pulls a Megaman 9 and releases a completely retro sonic game just like sonic 1… And they complain that the game is to short and too familar.
Sega closes the following week…
@ TailsFoxx88
i completely agree with you 100%
thats why fans like us are the ones supporting sega with their decisions, and if they truely do listen then they know what we like and dont like
People act like they’re so sure there’s no Classic Sonic look option in the dang game.
Klonoa Wii or Astro Boy Wii anyone?
I think there are amazing amount of fanboys wanting this. If it becomes a unlockable it would sell even better. I know it for sure…..
Well they are only asking for the OPTION. It’s not like they’re trying to make it a requirement. I do have to wonder though, if anyone even tried to contact Sega and ASK if this was in there. Rather than tell them to put it in there. It’s a pretty petty gripe either way though.
In my opinion SEGA should stick to new Sonic (I love the old one ok!” but 16years later after S&K Sonic grew up and became awsome as we saw it in the trailer of SONIC4…
I rather have some DLC or something with Tails or Knuckles … Old Sonic would be kinda cool and awsome too, but new Sonic rocks as well
SEEEEEEEEGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAA….
SONIC TEEEEAM…
I honestly don’t care. In fact, I prefer it with more modern graphics, and modern Sonic. What’s different between modern Sonic and classic Sonic? Hardly anything, really. Slightly longer quills? Green eyes? Whoop-dee-doo.
Funny, on one side the people complain about Sega not getting their act together and so on and so forth, and on the other end the other people complain that the people complain!
This is NOT a Sonic Cycle, this is a Complaining Cycle!
However I do understand the People that complain about Sonic and Eggman not being the old ones, its all Childhood Memorys, I´m not going to be harsh to them in any way, I just let them!
As a Wise old Man once said: “What you don´t want someone do to you, don´t do it to someone else!”
I´m not going to question peoples opinions, they have their reasons as well as I have mine and everyone else!
At least this Community is Sparkling with Life Energy!
These never works this is depressing beyond words.
This will happen with Sonic 4 guaranteed
http://kotaku.com/5403286/what-modern-warfare-2-boycotters-are-playing
Put up or shut up.
This is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard,
And poeple wonder why the rest of the world looks down on Sonic fans, if you’ve signed this, please….go outside and get some fresh air.
The one thing about “newer” sonics (since Sonic Adventure, maybe not so new…) that I don’t like, and would prefer if left outside, is the Homing Attack. In 3D games its ok, but I really dislike it in 2D sonic games.
the only thing that annoys me about what i`ve seen so far is sonics running style… not like SU or Sonic 1, 2, 3 etc, just like in rivals….. gay…………… crap 0_o i hope that gets sorted…..
by the way heres the list of the diffrent looks between Today Sonic (awesome) And classic sonic (awesome)
Classic: Smaller quills, has only 3 quills, pointed feet, no shoe buckel, Brown/black eyes, runs with arms up. And a bit fat lol. and feet go into wheels when running.
Mordern: Quills, bigger longer and has 6, green eyes, buckels on shoes, more rounded feet, Runs with arms behind back (Unfortantliy not on Sonic 4
) Feet go back and forth insteed of wheels, and alot thinner. lol 
There. But I really do hope that thats his (not so fast) running style, lol. it dosn`t look right… nor good, class spinball though ^_^
‘And who’s to say that Sonic wasn’t even originally intended to have green eyes but was unable to due to graphical limitations? I’
official art depicts sonic with black eyes with a brown outline. what graphical limitations are you talking about that would prevent sonic from having green eyes? Sonic 3/K has no problem showing Super Sonic with green eyes.
Oh brother, does it matter!? Get used to it, this is how Sega wants Sonic to look, and I think he looks far more better than Retro Sonic. He’s more expressive, and he’s not fat.
blueblur: I think someone at Sega said that the running animation will be like the 3K and/or CD type of running. I think they downgraded it for the trailer, perhaps to keep us wanting. n_n
-sees the entirety of Sonic Retro sign up-
Anyway, this is some dumb shit. So what if Sonic’s in his modern design? It’s not like it’s going to affect the game in any significant way.
And to those complaining that Sonic 4′s going to be more like Sonic Rush 3, why the hell is that suddenly a bad thing? As far as I know, the Rushes were very well received across the board.
@ Kits: Not to mention there’s no boost bar.
I sure wish I had the psychic ability to tell how good a game will be based on three seconds of gameplay. These guys are good.
Also petitions are always lol.
already signed this yesterday
Oh, come on! Times change, people! Sonic was 16-bit in those games because that’s all that those consoles were capable of. There was one year between Sonic 1 and Sonic 2, two years between Sonic 2 and Sonic 3, and sixteen years between Sonic 3 and Sonic 4!
I just don’t understand why these people can’t just suck it up and enjoy the game that they’ve been *****ing SEGA for since Sonic went 3D over a decade ago.
You know what? THESE FANS SUCK!!!!!
First , they’ve neen crying like babies for Sonic to bring back to the classics. And now that SEGA granted their wish, they are now crying for Sonic’s design!
These idiots are so not grateful! The taller, newer, current Sonic looks awesome! I mean, Sonic has been in this design for 9-10 years! I like thsi design, I don’t want a classic Sonic.
Just because it’s like the old Sonic games that doesn’t mean they’ll have to cahnge the looks.
This is…..just no.
Im ashamed to be in the same fanbase as the fucking idiots it just sickens me.
FYI, this was made by the same idiot who tried to male that shitty SATAM movie, and the sad part is that he uses a GREEN EYED SONIC in his trailer, making him a complete hypocriote.
Seriously talk about ungrateful. No one can be happy with what there given.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the classic sonic in Sonic 4, but it’s never going to happen, people need to stop complaining about a four second gameplay clip.
Even if they did add classic sonic to this game people will just keep whining about something different, “This game is going to suck because it’s not fully 2D”, people need to shut up and enjoy what Sonic Team is trying to do. Heck they could have made Sonic Unleashed 2 instead of Sonic 4, but even saying this won’t stop the fan base from complaining, they’ll always complain about something.
Either way I’ll buy this game, with or without classic sonic.
@1stkirbyever
i agree. I really don’t care. I’ll buy this game regardless.
I don’t care what Sonic in this really I get it regardless But DLC would be nice really. Be able to play other characters including a Classic Sonic.
@Crysore: No, it was not by AKR. It was from a member on Sonic Retro.
I’m sorry. When they call this Sonic 4 shouldn’t they go the full mile and give us the classic designs? Capcom was so dedicated they had an artist come in and do awesomely bad box art. They were DEDICATED.
But this game… Homing Attack? Modern Design? Why do I have a feeling this game will be linear?
No. This is Sonic Rush. Critically acclaimed? Ha, right. It doesn’t have the same charm as the Genesis games and most of that comes from being a linear hold right and win fest. There will be levels designed around the homing attack. That or it will make the game easier. The classics were not easy, nor were they meant to be. They were focused on the easy to learn, hard to master strategy that worked wonders for Nintendo all these years.
We’re getting the game we wanted? Ha, you modern fans say that, but it’s not the truth. What we’re getting is Sonic Rush for consoles.
This picture is all of you.
http://i45.tinypic.com/34e6k28.jpg
Jesus fucking christ fuck
I completely disagree with this, it’s stupid and pointless. The new design is cooler looking anyway. 100% against this.
lol! I just find this whole situation kinda funny and I even grew up with old school Sonic. Yes, I was a bit disappointed, but who cares. The gameplay looks nice from what I see, so I’m not really that concerned with the design.
Now, I wonder what would happen if they DID reveal classic Sonic on Feb 4 instead of modern Sonic…..
I bet you guys would STILL be complaining b/c “Sonic’s fat (which isn’t true. He just has a small, round body) and he has black eyes!!!!”
Trust me, either way BOTH sides of the community would complain about the design no matter what. So, in the words of what a SEGA employee once said, “You can’t please everyone”.
@ Cryssore (AKA Soniman32):
FYI, this was not made by the same guy who tried to make that SATAM movie.
It started on Sonic Retro, actually.
Do your research.
@GREG THE CAT
Wow…just wow, you deduced al of that from 3 seconds of gameplay footae, just..amazing. Way to instantly hope for failure when only 3 seconds was shown.
Seriously, WTF?
And for the record AKR was working with, or at least supporting the dude who made the petition.
I made it perfectly clear that I was NOT the one who started this petition, I only supported it. Nothing more. Second, the issue was never focused on just the green eyes, its the character model itself. Cause in my fan film design, Sonic was a composite of both his classic and modern look. However, I did some thinking over the weekend and realize how ridiculous it was for me to rant about a character design. As long as the gameplay is good, thats all that matters.
Am I still disappointed how Sega essentially mislead people with false advertising for 6 months? Yes, but not on the extreme levels as I displayed. I do wanna point out that its really deceiving how they have a classic Sonic as their loading screen on the Sonic 4 website. This to me shows that Sega isn’t fully committed to a true throwback to the original games which game was originally intended to be. Even name the name Needlemouse invokes the idea of returning to the 90s idea and that is nowhere depicted on the character. Nonetheless, it would be a fair compromise if the classic Sonic is a DLC. If not, then oh well. Lets just hope the game itself doesn’t suck.
I made it perfectly clear that I was NOT the one who started this petition, I only supported it. Nothing more. Second, the issue was never focused on just the green eyes, its the character model itself. Cause in my fan film design, Sonic was a composite of both his classic and modern look. However, I did some thinking over the weekend and realize how ridiculous it was for me to rant about a character design. As long as the game play is good, thats all that matters.
Am I still disappointed how Sega essentially mislead people with false advertising for 6 months? Yes, but not on the extreme levels as I displayed. I do wanna point out that its really deceiving how they have a classic Sonic as their loading screen on the Sonic 4 website. This to me shows that Sega isn’t fully committed to a true throwback to the original games which this game was originally intended to be. Even the name Needlemouse invokes the idea of returning to the 90s idea and that is nowhere depicted on the character. Nonetheless, it would be a fair compromise if the classic Sonic is a DLC. If not, then oh well. Lets just hope the game itself doesn’t suck.
As much as I’d like a sprite-based Sonic in S4, it’s definitely not worth complaining about, especially not at the level of an online petition. The level graphics are designed to conform to the polygonal models, so it would just look out of place.
Say Sega really did listen to the petition and made a ‘classic Sonic’. Question is, what is ‘classic Sonic’? Sonic 1′s sprite, 2′s or 3′s? I personally think S3′s sprite is the best, so if for example Sega chose that, there’s no doubt you’d have a second petition for an ‘option’ >_> to change to Sonic 1′s model.
While we’re at it, let’s petition for the option for a classic HUD, and classic zone title cards, and using Sonic 1 or 3′s ‘Act Clear’ BGM! Face it, Sega’s going to make this game its own way, be it good or bad. There’s not much we can do about it except to an extent be grateful. We’re all going to download this game regardless, so Sega’s already got our money in its pocket, and at a business level that’s all it needs.
This is just sad, ’nuff said.
First off let me say that I am a “retro fan”, as well as just a plain ol sonic fan. I like both desigsns of sonic, but I do like his older one more. I’ve got my reasons besides simply growing up with the older one (cause actually, I grew up equally with both). If this game turns out to be like one of the Advance’s or a Rush (though it wont be cause there’s no boost and it’s supposed to play specifically like the genesis titles), then I’ll be alittle disappointed, but nothing bad and I’ll still enjoy the game.
When playing Advance or Rush, one of the things that always kept it seperated from the originals was indeed the look of sonic, though that was mostly with Advance, since it’s more obvious being a sprite like the classics. Did it make the game worse? NO. But it just didn’t feel the same: understand that this is a psychological thing. Even though sonic look varied throughout the classics, he still had a general design that was the same, like that mentioned by Blueblur above.
If old sonic ends up in the game, I’ll be psyched, and if not, I’ll still be extremely happy. Cause I’m not gonna nitpick with game–I mean, I consider it a near miracle that we’re even getting it. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”, anyone?? Now I’m not baggin on anyone who does, but I know that if i set myself to hating certain aspects of the game, then I’m just setting myself up for disappointment and not enjoying the game when it comes out. Dont wanna do that.
So for me there are things that I’d like to see, just the same as with any game, but I’ll be happy with whatever i get, cause I’m sure sega has some great stuff planned.
What needs to be realized is that the past is the past. Classic Sonic happened, and it was great, but now, it’s time to MOVE ON and face the future instead of whining about the past. I don’t mind other’s opinions about what their favorite design of Sonic is, but this seems a bit overdone. I honestly feel sorry for Sonic Team. They’re bending over backwards to please us, and all we “ungrateful humans” do is bite the hand that feeds us.
not signing
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I’m just happy there’s a Sonic 4.
Though, I do prefer the classic design.
I mean, after Sonic 3, there’d be no explanation for the sudden change in design. And there was nothing wrong with it that it ever needed the change in the first place.
So you want they should give Sonic a haircut and make his eyes black? Well, it’s not asking for a whole lot, really.
Here’s a thought. A stupid thought, but one nonetheless. MAYBE Sega foresaw this would happen! Notice that there’s still another character they haven’t announced on the site, but they said the only PLAYABLE CHARACTER IS SONIC. MAYBE, just maybe, they put in classic Sonic to shut up the kids who are going to bitch about it. Or not, you never know. Either way, people get the hell over it, their making a 2D Sonic game, be happy.
I tend to consider myself a Classic Sonic because I like the Genesis games a lot, but dumb petitons like this and rants like GREG’s make me ashamed to be grouped as a classic fan.
Then again, all that creepy fanart makes me ashamed to be a modern fan (despite liking Rush and Unleashed).
Where is the “Normal Sonic Fan” Section of the fandom?
it’s actually stupid about the eyes…I mean if you look at the video with his in-game model, you can hardly even make out if his eye is black or green. You could just imagine it’s black if black eyes gives you that much pleasure.
Since when Sonic’s design affects the gameplay? ><;
Shoot…it's Sonic, I love his games and always will.
I don't care he is has black eyes, green, red, yellow or whatever!
Just get over it, grow up and hush.
Don't want to? Quit the fandom.
Sega's already giving us something we asked for but complaining a tiny bit of detail that doesn't hurt us in the game play is just too pathetic, idiotic, stupid, and retarded…
The ones who whine that much makes me embarrassed to be part of the fandom…
This is ridiculous. Rather than being happy, or even at the very least, curious and reserving judgment on a game that’s not even released yet, someone has the damn gall to go out and make a petition based solely on the fact that they don’t like the aesthetics? Ridiculous. What the hell does his design have to do with how the damn game plays? Nothing. Ziltch. Nada. And this also comes from merely viewing 3-10 seconds of gameplay from the one and only trailer featuring it to date. I know that not everything relating to Sonic has been a hit, but this has to be the most piss poor excuse for a reason to gripe since…well, ever. This modern meets classic aesthetic isn’t something new either – remember New Super Mario Bros. Wii? I don’t remember a whole lot of people bitching about Nintendo not using classic NES sprites, and he’s been around for just as long.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I am disgusted that certain fans have taken their obsession to a very immature level in such a short amount of time. The game might have been made to appeal to your nostalgic value but that doesn’t give you the right to sneer and bitch and moan because they met you half way in terms of design. Their target audience isn’t only just you, but to everyone – which does include and will always include children, which you all once were.
Get over yourselves.
So does that mean if Link was given a random white streak of hair 618 Nintendo fans would be like,”Yo, F this Shniz, man. I can’t play mah Zelda games like this. Yo, this a load, man, this a load.”
Well, I say, f*** those 618 25-year old Sonic fanboys. So sad.
I think i get where the petitioners are coming from. Not once have I seen a 3D Sonic model successfully replicate the original “sonic the hedgehog” game engine (yes, I’m looking at you too “sonic rush”). That’s not to say it can’t be done. Besides, the “Unleashed” model of Sonic looks a lot better than a short, tubby blue hedgehog. but honestly, I don’t care what appearance sega chooses, as long as it play’s like the original game (with a potential for infinite speed increase)! AND I WANT TO SEE THE SPIN DASH IN THIS GAME, or so help me, i’ll give up on Sonic!
@Soul gauge: cool, I hope that what you said was right
@Soul gauge: also, whats 3k? Sonic 3 and knuckles? I understand the CD one, thats a good game plus style for running”
Yup in a game, everything counts..
@Mike: lol that pic was f**king funny
ahahahahahaha!!! class drawings! ^.^
Who actually gives a shit what Sonic looks like nerds! As long as the game plays well and does’nt suck I’m happy. Although I do prefer modern Sonic over the old version.
OMG quit nitpicking & be happy that your even getting a Sonic game that isn’t an adventure, Rush or Advance game. Sega could just say you what forget it then go further & add some not so kind words after that. I loved sonic since he 1st came to be & like Mario his design has to change. I mean really Mario looks nothing like how he use to look & you know what I mean his pants use to be red, his shirt was blue & his eyes where black now His shirt is red, his pants are blue & his eyes are sky blue.
“■Kitty Nakajima on February 9th, 2010 10.48 pm
This is ridiculous. Rather than being happy, or even at the very least, curious and reserving judgment on a game that’s not even released yet, someone has the damn gall to go out and make a petition based solely on the fact that they don’t like the aesthetics? Ridiculous. What the hell does his design have to do with how the damn game plays? Nothing. Ziltch. Nada. And this also comes from merely viewing 3-10 seconds of gameplay from the one and only trailer featuring it to date. I know that not everything relating to Sonic has been a hit, but this has to be the most piss poor excuse for a reason to gripe since…well, ever. This modern meets classic aesthetic isn’t something new either – remember New Super Mario Bros. Wii? I don’t remember a whole lot of people bitching about Nintendo not using classic NES sprites, and he’s been around for just as long.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I am disgusted that certain fans have taken their obsession to a very immature level in such a short amount of time. The game might have been made to appeal to your nostalgic value but that doesn’t give you the right to sneer and bitch and moan because they met you half way in terms of design. Their target audience isn’t only just you, but to everyone – which does include and will always include children, which you all once were. ”
Finally! There was no better way to say that. Thumbs up Kitty!
Sonic 4 check list
——————–
Classic looking backgrounds [X]…Check
Classic 2-D style look [X]…Check
Classic sound effects [X]…Check
Classic Sonic [ ]…Error Error Error….NOT FOUND!
Please make classic Sonic a playable character in Sonic 4!
Seriously? A DESIGN PETITION!?!? This is outrageos. I mean, you’re complaining about how Sonic LOOKS?? Gee, SonikDude101 was right, this is pathetic to complain about. This is worse than other stuff I’ve seen, such as TWO SECONDS of Gameplay in the trailor. I bet SEGA are laughing right now, at all of the pathetic little fanboys that want the game like it originally was. They get something they actually want, and they still whine about it, which is sad, really sad. You fanboys need to get a grip.